Artemius

Saint Artemius, also known as Flavius Artemius or Mar Shalita, was a Syrian general of the Roman Empire; the details of his birth are uncertain, though some traditions place his origins in Egypt. Rising to high office under Emperor Constantius II, he served as dux Aegypti, the imperial military governor of Egypt. Ancient accounts differ on many points of his career, yet they agree that he stood close to imperial power in a turbulent age when the Church faced both internal conflict and external pressure. After Constantius died in 361, the new emperor Julian renounced Christianity and sought to restore pagan worship. Christian tradition holds that Artemius was summoned from Alexandria and, in Antioch, courageously defended persecuted priests and refused to deny Christ despite threats and torture. Remaining steadfast, he was condemned and executed in 362, honored thereafter as a martyr who chose fidelity over rank and safety. Venerated in both East and West, he is especially invoked for healing, and is patron of Mykonos. His feast day is October 20.